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LOT 0660
Roman Bronze Extendable Table Leg
2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
42 in. (2 kg total, 1.07 m).
Composed of two rectangular-section bars with square-sockets.
ProvenanceAcquired 1990s-early 2000s.
East Anglian private collection.
Cf. Traxler, S., Lang, F., Schlag, B., Die Rücckehr der Legion, Romisches Erbe in Oberössterreich, Linz, 2018, p.74, for similar.
FootnotesThese bars were one of the four supports of a folding table with a height-adjustable frame, often surmounted by busts of divinities. These folding supports for tables, bracers and cauldrons are known finds from important excavations in the Roman world, like Pompeii. The purpose of such folding stands varied; during a meal they were placed between the triclinium beds with bowls and plates hung to the hooks at the back of the holders.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
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Roman Silver-Gilt Strap End
5th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £169
Engraved with geometric borders and cross or flower head; two remaining rivets. 10.1 grams, 36 mm
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s. -
Gallo-Roman Bronze Mercury Statuette
1st-3rd century A.D.Estimate: £400 - 600 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £222
Modelled standing nude with stylised anatomical detailing, stylised wings on the head, right hand shrouded beneath a flattened area with horizontal grooves holding the purse, the other clenched into a fist. 43 grams, 59 mm
Fine condition.
Acquired 1970s. Ex UK collection. Property of a Portsmouth, UK gentleman.
Likely an ex-voto figure representing Mercury (Greek Hermes) holding a purse, clearly offered by someone to ask or give thanks for successful vows. -
Roman Bronze Folding Spoon
Circa 4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £442
Featuring a shallow piriform bowl, raised neck with movable pinned hinge attached to the hexagonal-section handle and shortened polyhedral knob finial, allowing the handle to be folded into the bowl. 15.5 grams, 14 cm
UK collection, early 1990s and before. Acquired on the UK art market since the early 2000s. From a private collection, Lancashire, UK.
As today, the spoon was used as a measure for dosage in ancient times. Both the cochlear and the ligula could have been used to measure different quantities, particularly in the practice of medicine and in the kitchen. Isidore (Origines, XVI, 26.3) tells us that the cochlear was the smallest unit size and was worth half a drachma.
